Six Steps for Doing Business with Metro

All businesses interested in working with Metro should be familiar with the following steps:

1. Join Metro's Vendor Community

To begin the process, you’ll need to register as a vendor, including your applicable six (6) digit NAICS codes, using iSupplier. By registering as a vendor you will be notified of Metro’s open solicitations, have access to download open solicitation documents, maintain your vendor profile and access other information relevant to your account. The person listed as the contact will receive Metro's emails and alerts related to open solicitations.

Once you have successfully completed your iSupplier application, you will receive a confirmation within 24 hours during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

After your registration has been approved you can manage and maintain your vendor profile.

NAICS Codes

Vendors are required to provide NAICS codes to identify their business classification during the registration process. Metro uses NAICS codes to notify vendors about current solicitations and upcoming events. You can access the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to identify your business classification.

Department of Industrial Relations Contractor Registration

Contractors responsible for the payment of prevailing wage on Metro public works projects are required to register with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Contractor Registration Database. Registration must be valid at the time of contract bid and contract award. For more information, visit Metro’s Labor, Wage and Retention Programs website

If you’re a small business owner, we encourage you to take full advantage of our small business tools, and visit Metro Connect. Metro Connect is our commitment to small business success. It’s designed to support your business’ growth by giving you access to a small business Tool Kit, certification applications, networking events and workshops.

2. Explore Metro's Solicitations & Gather the Team

Now that your company is registered as a vendor, you will be notified of the latest solicitation documents that correlate to your specific NAICS code you provided. Notification methods include email and postcards. Metro also advertises in various media publications, such as, Daily News, La Opinión, Dodge Construction News, etc. Vendors can also review a list of current and future solicitations on-line. Metro participates in environmentally conscious projects, as well. To learn more about Metro's environmental construction expectations, visit Metro's Environmental Construction Awareness (MECA) Project.

Once you identify the solicitations that are of interest, you can select to review the individual detailed description or, as a registered vendor, you can download the solicitation document for further in‐depth review. Once you have selected the solicitation for which you will propose, the next step is to review the solicitation details carefully. Make note of any living wage or prevailing wage applicability.

Bids and Proposals should be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the solicitation document. Each solicitation document may have different submittal requirements. Therefore, it is important that you read and follow the requirements described in the solicitation document when submitting Bids/Proposals.

Pre-Bid Conferences

In some cases, Metro will host Pre‐Proposal conferences to provide vendors the opportunity to ask questions regarding the solicitation pre‐qualifications and requirements. Although Pre‐Proposal conferences are not always mandatory, they provide a great opportunity to learn more about the contract specifications, meet the Metro Project Team, contract administrator, and network with your peers.

3. Submit the Proposal

The next logical step is to produce a stellar proposal. Metro encourages you to review the solicitation package and ensure that all requested information is provided.

The Submittal Requirements page will provide a due date, the address and floor of where the proposal should be delivered, as well as other important details such as:

Proposal Format

Content Certification Forms

Cost Proposal Instructions and/or Page Limit

DBE, SBE Goal or Good Faith Effort

Prevailing wage and/or Living Wage Requirements

Remember to plan accordingly and deliver your proposal on time as well as receive a receipt confirming the proposal was received.

4. Proposal Evaluation

Once the proposals are in, Metro Contracts Department will review all of the proposals/bids. Deliberations may result in the request for additional forms, clarification on the materials submitted, and/or a prequalification request.

Once Metro has completed their evaluations they will communicate with the firms that will be advancing to the next phase of the process, which may include an interview. The notification will include information regarding the interview process (if applicable), the interview date, time allotted for the interview and format expected.

A Notice of Intent to Award is sent when Metro staff has completed the evaluation process and is ready to recommend a Contract Award to one or a specific set of firms. The notification will detail the next steps, which may include the date when the Metro Board of Directors will hear the staff recommendation for approval, if applicable.

6. Contract Execution & Fulfillment

Once the recommendation for award is approved, the contract has to be signed, and any required certifications, such as insurance, must be received before work can begin.

The Project Manager will oversee the performance of the Scope of Work within the proposed project schedule. The Contract Administrator will oversee compliance to the contract terms. The Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department will oversee compliance to Small Business Goals, Living Wage and Labor Compliance.